Last Friday, police officers investigated a traffic collision at the intersection of Paseo Westpark and San Remo, according to the Irvine Police Department.
Two individuals were transported to a local hospital due to complaints of pain.
It was reported that the driver of one vehicle attempted to switch seats with a passenger after the collision.
The driver who switched seats was arrested for DUI and booked at the Orange County Jail.
Please remember to have a designated driver or use a ride-share app to ensure you get home safely.
Here’s a summary of the penalties and consequences the driver may face after being arrested for DUI in Irvine, California:
Legal Penalties for First-Time DUI in California
If this is the driver’s first DUI offense, typical penalties include:
- Probation: 3 to 5 years of informal (misdemeanor) probation
- Fines: $390 to $1,000, but with penalty assessments, the total can reach $1,500 to $2,000
- DUI School: Mandatory enrollment in a 3- to 9-month DUI education program
- License Suspension: 6-month suspension, though a restricted license may be available
- Ignition Interlock Device (IID): Required for 6 months in most cases
- Jail Time: Up to 6 months in county jail (often reduced or substituted with work release or house arrest)
- Victim Impact Panel: Attendance may be required
If the driver attempted to switch seats to avoid arrest, that could be considered obstruction of justice, which may lead to additional charges or harsher sentencing.
Impact on Employment
A DUI conviction is a public record, and employers can legally consider it during hiring decisions. Here’s how it might affect the driver’s job:
- Background Checks: Employers will see the DUI on criminal background checks.
- Job Restrictions: Jobs involving driving, working with children, or handling sensitive information may be off-limits.
- Ban-the-Box Law: Employers in California cannot ask about criminal history until after a conditional job offer, but they can still rescind the offer based on the DUI.
- Expungement Option: After completing probation and other penalties, the driver may petition to have the DUI expunged, which can improve job prospects.
Impact on Car Insurance
A DUI conviction significantly affects auto insurance:
- Rate Increase: Insurance premiums can rise by up to 148%. For example, a policy that cost $2,000 annually could jump to over $5,000.
- High-Risk Label: The driver will be considered high-risk, limiting access to standard insurance plans.
- SR-22 Requirement: To reinstate a suspended license, the driver must file an SR-22 form proving financial responsibility.
- Duration: The DUI stays on the driver’s DMV record for 10 years, affecting insurance rates for 3 to 7 years.